1. PM Modi Inaugurates RBI Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Odisha
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute at Info Valley-II in Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on October 25, 2026.
- The project, developed at an estimated cost of ₹169 crore, aims to strengthen India’s digital financial infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities.
- The data centre will support critical banking and payment systems, including RTGS and NEFT.
- The accompanying institute will promote specialised training, research and capacity building in cybersecurity, enterprise technology and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
- The initiative aims to improve the security and reliability of India’s financial system.
2. Cyclone Arnab 2026: Bay of Bengal Storm Approaches Andhra Pradesh
- Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities to review disaster preparedness on October 26, 2026.
- According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, hundreds of kilometres from the Andhra Pradesh coast.
- It was forecast to move west-northwestwards before turning northwest towards the coast.
- The National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, reviewed preparedness measures.
- Authorities are monitoring the system and coordinating response arrangements. Residents in potentially affected coastal areas should follow official weather bulletins and local administration advisories.
3. Brazil Election 2026: Lula Wins Fourth Presidential Term
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won re-election in the presidential runoff held on October 25, 2026, securing a historic fourth non-consecutive presidential term.
- According to Brazil’s electoral authority, Lula received approximately 51.79% of valid votes, defeating Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who secured around 48.21%.
- The closely contested election highlighted deep political divisions between supporters of the left-wing Workers’ Party and the political right. Lula’s new term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.
- The result represents a significant milestone in Brazilian politics, with economic policy, public security and national unity expected to remain important challenges for the incoming administration.
4. Sunil Kumar Appointed Next ONGC Chairman 
- The Government of India has approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar as the next chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
- Currently serving as an executive director at the state-owned energy company, Kumar is scheduled to assume charge on or after December 7, 2026.
- His appointment will initially continue until his superannuation in December 2028, followed by a contractual extension to complete a combined tenure of three years, subject to the official terms.
- He will succeed Arun Kumar Singh. Kumar’s appointment comes as ONGC focuses on strengthening domestic oil and gas production, improving operational performance and exploring opportunities in emerging energy sectors.
5. Ahmedabad to Host 2029 World Weightlifting Championships for the First Time in India
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been selected to host the 2029 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships, marking the first time India will organise the senior edition of this prestigious global competition.
- The International Weightlifting Federation announced the decision on October 25, 2026, as part of its allocation of several upcoming world championships.
- The event is expected to bring elite weightlifters, coaches, officials and international delegations to India.
- Hosting the championship could provide a major opportunity to showcase India’s sporting infrastructure and organisational capabilities.
- It also highlights the country’s growing ambitions to attract major international sporting events and strengthen its position in global sports.
6. Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy Win Individual Gold at European Chess Club Cup 2026
- Indian Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won individual gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held in Budva, Montenegro, from October 17 to 23.
- Representing Novy Bor Chess Club, Nihal secured gold on Board 2 in the Open section with five points from six games, recording four victories and two draws.
- Humpy won gold on Board 2 in the Women’s section, scoring 4.5 points from six games while representing Cercle d’Échecs de Monte-Carlo. Her club also won the women’s team championship.
- Their performances highlighted India’s continuing presence in international competitive chess.
7. India’s First Cooperative-Sector Airline: Kerala Announces New Initiative
- Kerala has announced plans for what is being projected as India’s first cooperative-sector airline.
- Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan gave the green light to a proposal by the Keralam Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to establish the airline.
- Tentatively named Co-Keralam, the proposed venture aims to expand aviation opportunities and make domestic air travel more accessible.
- Around 200 cooperative societies are expected to participate in the initiative, with reports indicating a proposed investment of ₹2 crore per society.
- The project is being developed under the cooperative movement, although operational details, launch timelines, regulatory approvals and final investment arrangements remain important milestones before services can begin.
8. Ladakh Becomes India’s First Fully Organic Union Territory
- Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared the Union Territory India’s first 100% organic Union Territory on October 25, 2026.
- The announcement recognises the administration’s efforts to promote chemical-free agriculture and sustainable farming practices across the region.
- Earlier measures included prohibiting the use, sale and distribution of chemical and synthetic fertilisers for agricultural purposes.
- The initiative aims to protect Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, improve soil and water health, and create better economic opportunities for farmers.
- Organic production could increase the market value of local products such as apricots, barley, buckwheat and vegetables. Individual farmer certification and stronger organic supply chains remain important next steps.
9. ISRO to Have Four Functional Launch Pads by 2029
- India plans to expand its space-launch infrastructure to four functional launch pads by 2029, according to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
- The expansion includes the development of a dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu and a third launch pad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- The new facilities are intended to support growing domestic and international demand for satellite launches.
- Additional launch infrastructure could improve operational flexibility, increase launch capacity and support India’s expanding commercial space sector.
- The initiative also complements the country’s broader ambitions in satellite deployment, human spaceflight and private-sector participation in space activities.
10. Lionel Messi received 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports
- Argentine football legend Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his extraordinary sporting career and charitable contributions.
- The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced him as the award’s recipient in June 2026.
- The jury highlighted his exceptional achievements in football, consistency, sportsmanship and continued efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
- Messi became the first individual footballer to receive this distinction.
- The award is among Spain’s prominent international honours, recognising outstanding achievements across several fields.
- Messi’s recognition celebrates not only his footballing success but also his contribution to society through philanthropic initiatives.